KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) former director-general Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar was demoted from his post due to underperformance, said Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
In dismissing that Ammar was removed for alleged racist issues, Tiong explained that he had given Ammar much advice and asked for his views on what was best for the nation’s tourism industry.
“I don’t know if he had no ideas, or did not know how to implement them. But if you cannot perform, you must be changed.
“I did not fire him, I only demoted him,” he told reporters at an event here in Kuala Lumpur.
Tiong added that when the former director-general retired, (Ammar) was not even at the top of the list of suggestions from the ministry, but Tiong gave him a chance because he had a PhD in tourism (hotel and tourism management).
Ammar confirmed his removal from the post yesterday, stating that he had received a letter from Tiong on Friday (Feb 23) morning.
He said the letter stated that his removal is effective on Feb 26, but it did not state his next position.
Ammar, who was appointed the director-general in April last year, is set to retire in March 2025.
Tiong also revealed that Manoharan Periasamy will be the next director-general and will follow the appointment process based on the Tourism (Industry) Act 1992.
Manoharan Periasamy is the Senior Director for International Promotion (Asia & Africa).
